NEGOTIATIONS WITH GATES

285

Her husband visited her once or twice daily, at the risk of his life. On one occasion, General Phillips accompanied him, but was overcome when he saw the sufferings and danger by which this noble woman and her children were surrounded, and of which we have given a very subdued picture. "I would not for ten thousand guineas see this place again," exclaimed the general. "I am heart-broken with what I have

Burgoyne was now reduced to despair. His forces were diminished by losses, by the desertion of Canadians and royalists, and the total defection of the Indians; and on inspection it was found that the provisions on hand, even upon short allowance, would not suffice for more than three days. A council of war, therefore, was called of all the generals, field-officers, and captains commanding troops. The deliberations were brief. All concurred in the necessity of opening a treaty with General Gates, for a surrender on honorable terms. While they were yet deliberating, an eighteen pound ball passed through the tent, sweeping across the table round which they were seated.

Negotiations were accordingly opened on the 13th, under sanction of a flag. Lieutenant Kingston, Burgoyne's adjutant-general, was the bearer of a note, proposing a cessation of hostilities until terms could be adjusted.

The first terms offered by Gates were that the enemy should lay down their arms within their intrenchments and surrender themselves prisoners

JỀ TL. These were indignantly rejected, with an intimation that, if persisted in, hostilities must

Counter proposals were then made by General Burgogne, and finally accepted by General Gates. Ameling to these, the British troops were to mon cas of the camp with artillery and all the honors of war, to a fixed place, where they were

pie their arms at a word of command from their own offers. They were to be allowed a Sve passage to Europe upon condition of not serving in America, during the present war. The any was not to be separated, especially the men foa the officers; roll-calling and other reg

laties were to be permitted; the officers were ɔɔ be on parole, and to wear their side-arms. A private property to be sacred; no baggage to be searched or molested. All persons appertaining to or following the camp, whatever might be their ecuntry, were to be comprehended in these terms of capitulation.

Schuyler's late secretary, Colonel Varick, who

sti in camp, writes to him on the 19th: Burgoyle says he will send all his general officers at ten, in the morning, to finish and settle the business. This, I trust, will be accomplished befice twelve, and then I shall have the honor and happiness of congratulating you on the glorious success of our arms. I wish to God I could say under your command.

-If you wish to see Burgoyne, you will be necessitated to see him here.” 1

1 Schuyler's Papers.

THE BRITISH ARMY SURRENDERS. 287

In the night of the 16th, before the articles of capitulation had been signed, a British officer from the army below made his way into the camp, with dispatches from Sir Henry Clinton, announcing that he had captured the forts in the Highlands, and had pushed detachments further up the Hudson. Burgoyne now submitted to the consideration of his officers, "whether it was consistent with public faith, and if so, expedient, to suspend the execution of the treaty and trust to events." His own opinion inclined in the affirmative, but the majority of the council determined that the public faith was fully plighted. The capitulation was accordingly signed by Burgoyne on the 17th of October.

The British army, at the time of the surrender, was reduced by capture, death, and desertion, from nine thousand to five thousand seven hundred and fifty-two men. That of Gates, regulars and militia, amounted to ten thousand five hundred and fifty-four men on duty; between two and three thousand being on the sick list, or absent on furlough.

By this capitulation, the Americans gained a fine train of artillery, seven thousand stand of arms, and a great quantity of clothing, tents, and military stores of all kinds.

When the British troops marched forth to deposit their arms at the appointed place, Colonel Wilkinson, the adjutant-general, was the only American soldier to be seen. Gates had ordered his troops to keep rigidly within their lines, that they might not add by their presence to the hu

equipped in uniform. These had standards with Various emblems and mottoes, some of which had for us a very satirical signification.

- But I must say, to the credit of the enemy's regiments," continues he, “that not a man was to te kund therein who, as we marched by, made even a sign of taunting, insulting exultation, hatred, or any other evil feeling; on the contrary, they seemed as though they would rather do us honor. As we marched by the great tent of General Gates, he invited in the brigadiers and commanders of regiments, and various refreshments were set before them. Gates is between fifty and sixty years of age; wears his own thin gray hair; is active and friendly, and on account of the weakness of his eyes, constantly wears spectacles. At head-quarters we met many officers, who treated us with all possible politeness."

We now give another page of the Baroness De Redesel's fortunes, at this time of the surrender. - My husband's groom brought me a message to join him with the children. I once more seated myself in my dear calash, and while riding through the American camp was gratified to observe that nobody looked at us with disrespect, but, on the contrary, greeted us, and seemed touched at the sight of a captive mother with her children. I mut candidly confess that I did not present mysel, though so situated, with much courage to the etemy, for the thing was entirely new to me. When I drew near the tents, a good-looking man advanced towards me, and helping the children trom the calash, kissed and caressed them: he then

BENEVOLENT CONDUCT OF SCHUYLER. 291

offered me his arm, and tears trembled in his eyes. 'You tremble,' said he; do not be alarmed, I pray you.' 'Sir,' cried I, 'a countenance so ex pressive of benevolence, and the kindness you have evinced towards my children, are sufficient to dispel all apprehensions.' He then ushered me into the tent of General Gates, whom I found en gaged in friendly conversation with generals Bur goyne and Phillips. General Burgoyne said to me, 'You can now be quiet, and free from all apprehension of danger.' I replied that I should indeed be reprehensible, if I felt any anxiety, when our general felt none, and was on such friendly terms with General Gates.

"All the generals remained to dine with General Gates. The gentleman who had received me with so much kindness, came and said to me, 'You may find it embarrassing to be the only lady in such a large company of gentlemen; will you come with your children to my tent, and partake of a frugal dinner, offered with the best will?' 'By the kindness you show to me,' returned I, ‘you induce me to believe that you have a wife and children.' He informed me that he was General Schuyler. He regaled me with smoked tongues, which were excellent, with beefsteaks, potatoes, fresh butter and bread. Never did a dinner give me more pleasure than this, and I read the same happy change on the countenances of all those around me. That my husband was out of danger, was a still greater joy. After dinner, General Schuyler begged me to pay him a visit at his house at Albany, where he expected that